NDP leadership race expands
Justin Trudeau doesn’t have the same understanding of the ‘middle class’ that he does, adding both Liberal and Conservative governments have contributed to its erosion over 25 years.
“I still know people who are trying to get by on $12 an hour and can’t feed their families,” Angus said.
“I know what they are going through; I can feel it and I can articulate it. I don’t know if the prime minister knows those people because it is doesn’t seem it is reflected in the policies he brings forward.”
Angus, a former musician and father of three girls, freely admits he never thought he would be a politician. He avoids “fancy functions” in Ottawa as a rule because he’s never found much point in attending.
“I am always focused on the
people I represent,” he said.
“Does that make me an outsider? I don’t know. I think it just makes me still rooted in the communities I come from and our politics need to be rooted in communities if we are going to offer Canadians something real in Ottawa.
“I come from a real place, I speak about real issues and I stay out of all the silly stuff.”
B.C. MP Peter Julian is also a registered candidate in the race to replace Tom Mulcair at the helm of the NDP.
Quebec MP Guy Caron is expected to enter the competition on Monday, while Manitoba MP Niki Ashton and deputy Ontario NDP leader Jagmeet Singh are also considering bids.
The first leadership debate will be held in Ottawa on March 12 and voting is scheduled for October.